Rangers reportedly ‘grinding’ to extend star RFA defenseman

The New York Rangers could be shaking up their defensive corps this summer. General manager Chris Drury is reportedly contemplating trading away team captain Jacob Trouba. Meanwhile, he also needs to make a decision on the future of 26-year-old defenseman Ryan Lindgren.

Lindgren is an impending restricted free agent this summer. Despite some previous speculation that Lindgren could also be on the move this summer, reports now indicate that the Rangers are planning to extend the 6-foot defenseman.

The Rangers are reportedly “grinding” to extend Ryan Lindgren

According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, extending Lindgren seems to be a priority for Drury ahead of free agency. The two sides have been negotiating a new contract, and seemingly making some progress, per Seravalli:

“The Rangers are also grinding on an extension for Ryan Lindgren, and his initial asks appear to be pretty reasonable,” Seravalli reports.

At 26-years-old, Lindgren still might have some potential untapped. He has been a tremendous player for New York over the last six seasons, earning a +99 rating in his career so far.

Lindgren is the regular partner of star defenseman Adam Fox. Their pairing is the best that the Rangers have. However, injuries have impacted both of those players in recent seasons — especially Lindgren.

Over the past five seasons, Lindgren has regularly missed games due to injuries. However, he remained mostly healthy this past season, playing in 76 games and totaling 17 points (three goals and 14 assists) with a +22 rating.

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How much would it cost the Rangers to extend Lindgren?

Lindgren is a restricted free agent coming off a three-year deal worth $3 million AAV. Evolving Hockey projects that, if Lindgren were to sign to a one-year deal that walks him to unrestricted free agency, it would likely have a cap hit of around $3.176 million.

According to The Athletic, Lindgren would presumably be open to a longer-term deal. If so, Evolving Hockey projects the AAV would come in at $4.888 million.

Considering Lindgren’s asking price has reportedly been “pretty reasonable,” there is optimism that the two sides will get a deal done ahead of free agency. However, the option of trading Lindgren exists, although it does seem unlikely.